GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL (*****L):

This is exactly the kind of hotel we both like to recommend... and, of course, to stay in. Singapore has its two old colonial palaces: the RAFFLES (ultra famous, and therefore permanently fully booked), and the GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL (full house most of the time, as well). The former "Teutonia Club" marks with elegance the border between the shopping district and the top luxurious residential areas of the city-state.

It was built in 1900 by the German community in Singapore as their social club, then converted into a very posh hotel in 1929. Since, the GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL is a must for the "happy few" who, should they be the Queen Beatrix of Netherlands, the Sultan of Johore, Cliff Richard or the Nobel Prize of Literature Sir William Golding, many want to stay nowhere else but in this wonderful old palace. Not as flashy as the RAFFLES, the GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL offers nevertheless the most superlative suite in Singapore. Accessible by a private lift, the "BRUNEI SUITE" took its name from the Sultan of Brunei who was one of its first discerning guests.

This is a sophisticated mixture of styles Louis XVI, Georgian and Chippendale, designed by Ernesto Bedmar. With a print from Monet fixed between two Corinthian columns, the room also features impressive bouquets poured into precious crystal vases. Is it necessary to mention that this is the most expensive suite in town? Fortunately, the "Deluxe Rooms" offer very decent rates, and garner a lot of success among businessmen. Which we feel is quite a pity as this hotel was designed for European globe-trotters, and should be discovered by high profile tourists rather than by stressed golden boys lacking time to fully enjoy its delightful atmosphere.

Very good and friendly service and highly reputed restaurants are to be found here. The min jiang and "CHANG JIANG SHANGHAI" attract exigent Chinese gourmets. The "GORDON GRILL" is a very authentic pub offering British and Scottish specialties. The "COFFEE LOUNGE" is a colonial coffee shop. Whether you or fortunate or not to be a guest of the GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL, do not miss the old England "Afternoon Tea" served in the "CAFE ESPRESSO"; you will taste here very rare varieties of teas, like for instance the "Caramel Regency", accompanied by fresh and delicious pastries.

This is a PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS WORLDWIDE.